The Oyo State Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Hon. Barrister Seun Ashamu TNA, has named his new daughter after her mother, who is the first female speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly and a former Senator representing Oyo Central senatorial district, Zahra Monsurat.
Conducting the naming ceremony in ancient Oyo township today, amidst religious clerics, community leaders, Commissioners, local government chairmen, other government functionaries, Team SMS, and well-wishers, Ashamu named the child Zahra Monsurat, Abike, Jadesola, Morenikeji.
According to Islamic meaning, Zahra is a feminine form of the Arabic name Azhar, which means ‘beautiful,’ ‘bright,’ ‘shining,’ or ‘brilliant.’ It can also be transliterated as an alternative version of the Arabic name Zahrah, derived from a related root and meaning ‘blooming flower.’ The name Zahrah originates from the Arabic word ‘Zahara,’ signifying ‘to shine.’
According to some sources, Zahra is the appellation of Fatimah al-Zahra, the daughter of the Prophet Muhammad. She is highly regarded by Muslims and considered a role model for women in Islam due to her wisdom, piety, and devotion to her family.
The Aqeeqah, led by the Ansar-ud-deen Society, Oyo branch under the leadership of Sheikh Imam Mikail Mobolaji, enjoined dignitaries at the naming ceremony to ensure that their children are raised as devout Muslim personalities, teaching them a sound understanding of Islam that will lead them to dedicate their worship to Allah alone even after the parents’ demise.
He reminded the Muslims that mankind and jinns are created to worship Allah, emphasizing the need for parents to ensure their baby grasps comprehensive knowledge of Islamic jurisprudence (fiqh), just like the commissioner’s mother, the daughter is named after, Alhaja Sen. Monsurat Sunmonu.
Imam Daud Igi-Ogun, Sheikh Dhikirulahi Yayah, Sheikh Taofeeq Akewugbagold, and other clerics prayed for the Oyo Energy Commissioner’s mother, Alhaja Sen. Monsurat Aduke Sunmonu, emphasizing that she is a beacon of light, the face of the Oyo empire, and a mother to all.
Representing the Oyo Energy Commissioner and Sen. Monsurat at the Aqeeqah naming ceremony, Oyo Lawmaker representing Oyo East and West State Assembly, Hon. Olorunpoto Rahaman and Elder E.O Oluokun, in his appreciation message, commended the league of Imams and Alfas while praying for the newly named daughter that she will live long and reach the pinnacle of her namesake, their precious mother.
“May Zahra Monsurat bring good fortune and blessings to the Ashamu family?” he prayed.
In attendance were the PDP Chairmanship Candidate for Atiba local government, Hon. Wahab Waliu Adetunji (Wabkem), PDP Chairmanship Candidate for Oyo East LG, Hon. Sola Oluokun, Oyo West LG chairman, Hon. Prince Salam Akeem Olukitibi, Atiba LG chairperson, Hon. Mojisola Kafilat Olakojo.
Others included Hon. Maruff Akinwande, Oyo East/West State Assembly Lawmaker, Hon. Olorunpoto Rahaman, all PDP Party chairpersons in Oyo federal constituency, all women leaders, Oyo Central Women leader, Hon. Mrs. Onilenla Rafiyat, local government staff, Team SMS, Team WABKEM, forums of supervisory Councilors, forums of local government Special Assistants, Supers, Ward executives, and all Councillorship Candidates in Oyo federal constituency, among several others.
